Layered naval guns and the return of long-range fire support

Is there still a place for a second naval gun like those on older cruisers and destroyers?

Yes; layered guns improve flexibility and emerging railguns may make long-range naval fire support economical again.

The Type 31 arrangement places a 40 mm weapon in a superfiring position above the main gun. Multiple gun systems give a ship more options against targets at different ranges and levels of threat. Early railguns were expected to be temperamental and therefore unsuitable as a ship's only gun. Their potential range and lower cost per shot compared with missiles could still make sustained fire ashore economical again. Layered close defence may therefore accompany a revival of long-range naval gunfire support.